Using experimental methods that isolate the fiber transmission performance (i.e., static amplification, a fixed transmitter structure, and nearly identical span lengths for each fiber type) we have compared the performance of SMF, MDF, and ULA fiber types using an uncompensated all-EDFA recirculating loop of ∼1600 km and PDM-QPSK at 28 and 32 GBaud.
We also demonstrate that system performance metrics including BER, penalty, and margin can all be well predicted using an analytic GN model of FWM impairments together with the back-to-back performance to quantify transmitter and receiver implementation penalties. These performance predictions were shown to be robust over launch power, fiber type, and baud rate. The optimum launch power to achieve maximum system margin for any combination of Formula, and Formula with PDM-QPSK channels was also shown to be well predicted by the GN model.
The incorporation of additional penalties within a more comprehensive model that includes LO phase-to-amplitude noise conversion, ISI effects caused by transport elements, and crosstalk may allow the GN model to become a new tool in the design of high speed optical systems.